VA Pension Benefits Are the Reward for Service in Retirement

The Non-Service-Connected Disability Pension program provides a pension, rather than direct compensation, based on retirement or inability to work. Non-service-connected disabilities are medical conditions that have no relation to active duty military service. Watch the interview with elder law attorney, veterans’ benefit specialist and former president of U.S. Senior Vets, Richard Schulze, MBA.

This pension program is income-based. A potential applicant can very easily earn too much through Social Security, other retirement benefits or even investment income to qualify.

A key component of this Non-Service Connected Disability Pension is termed “Aid & Attendance.” Regular Aid & Attendance is a provision for reimbursement of certain qualified, otherwise un-reimbursed medical expenses, usually involving long-term care in assisted living communities, in-home care and in some instances, independent living communities.

These amounts are the maximum awards. Although the majority of applicants receive the maximum benefit, eligibility depends upon financial qualification. Any type of current disability benefits being paid from the VA (including Death Indemnity Compensation for surviving spouses) are not added to these amounts.

A veteran who is currently receiving a Service-Connected Disability compensation can still receive the Non-Service-Connected Disability Pension with Aid & Attendance as long as the Disability Compensation is less than the Air & Attendance Benefit. If eligible, the VA will grant the difference up to the maximum allowable under Aid & Attendance. However, if the Disability Compensation is greater than what he/she is entitled under Aid & Attendance, then no more money is available.
If a Surviving Spouse is receiving a Death Indemnity Compensation (DIC), which means the veteran died in service or due to service-connected disabilities, then the surviving spouse could be receiving as much as $1,215 a month. This means the most that would be available under the Non-Service-Connected Disability compensation is an additional $301 for 2013.

Right on the Money is a financial talk show comprised of an exclusive group of insurance and financial professionals from around the country who have a desire to inform consumers on financial-focused topics that could affect the way they plan for retirement.

This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment advice. Please consult with a professional specializing in these areas regarding the applicability of this information to your situation. The presenters of this information are not associated with, or endorsed by, the Social Security Administration or any other government agency. MP-0364 – 2016/11/28